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MEDAC: Towards A Leading Academy in
Mediterranean Diplomacy
http://www.med-academy.org/
Created almost 20 years ago by the Governments of Malta
and Switzerland, and with the support of the Italian
Government, MEDAC has steadily moved towards its goal
of establishing itself as a leading academy in the area of
Mediterranean diplomacy. Its important role not only as a
centre of excellence but also as a confidence-building
mechanism in the region has been increasingly recognized by
other countries and institutions, and as a consequence
MEDAC has been able to continuously strengthen its
international dimension.
Since 1996, the European Commission has entrusted
MEDAC to organize the twice yearly Information and Training
Seminars for Diplomats from the Euro-Mediterranean area,
which is the only existing regular confidence-building measure
between the two shores of the Mediterranean in the framework
of the Barcelona Process. In 2007, MEDAC was awarded
a Jean Monnet Chair on Dialogue between People and
Cultures by the European Union, in recognition of its
achievements in training young diplomats from the
Mediterranean region. Most recently, MEDAC had the great
honour of announcing the creation of a German Chair on Peace
and Conflict Studies at the Academy, funded through the
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
MEDAC has also established close strategic
relationships with a number of institutions in the EuroMediterranean area and beyond, including the Vienna
Diplomatic Academy, the Institute for Diplomatic Studies
MEDAC staff and students in front of the Graduate
Institute of International and Development Studies
(HEI), Geneva.
No.8 – Spring 2009
in Cairo, the Diplomatic Institute of Tunisia, the Istituto
Diplomatico in Rome, the Green Book Centre in Tripoli and
George Mason University (USA). With both the Vienna
DiplomaticAcademy and George Mason University MEDAC
has launched joint training programmes.
MEDAC’s student body has also witnessed a
continuous process of internationalization and growth. In
addition to participants from countries of the southern shores
of the Mediterranean, a growing number of young diplomats
and students from sub-Saharan Africa, the Caucasus, Europe
as well as countries as far a field as China, have recognized
MEDAC’s leading role as an academy focusing on
Mediterranean issues, and have enrolled in our Masters
programme.
Perhaps more than ever, the Mediterranean faces
pressing challenges, including unresolved conflicts, concerns
over human rights and development, climate change and
migration. Thanks to the steadfast support of MEDAC’s
creators and of other partners who have joined more recently,
we believe that MEDAC will play an ever more important
role in building bridges between Europe, theAfrican continent
and the Middle East. MEDAC looks forward to continue
providing a platform for open and constructive dialogue on
the most important challenges in the region.
CONTENTS
MEDAC: Towards a Leading Academy in
Mediterranean Diplomacy
Germany and the Mediterranean
Mediterranean Forum on Migration
Joint Vienna Module
Farewell Symposium for Prof. Kappeler
Human Rights Workshop
Euro-Med Information & Training Seminar
Research & Publications
New MoU / Guest Lectures
Alumni News
Hon. Dr. Tonio Borg visits MEDAC
1
2-3
3
4
4
5
6
7
8
9-11
12
1
Germany and the Mediterranean
By H.E. Karl Andreas von Stenglin
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Malta
The new academic year at the University of Malta will
dawn with the establishment of a new ‘German Chair
for Peace and Conflict Studies’ at the Mediterranean
Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC). The initial
agreement encompasses a three-year renewable contract
and was signed in January between Professor Stephen
Calleya, Director, MEDAC, and Dr. Christian Bode,
Secretary General, the German Academic Exchange
Service (DAAD – Deutscher Akademischer
Austauschdienst). What were the reasons which
instigated Germany to commit to this initiative?
Given Germany’s geographical position in the centre of
the European continent, the country’s engagement in the
Mediterranean may not seem obvious at first.
Nevertheless, it is a misconception that its interests lie
predominantly in Eastern European affairs, particularly
given that Germany recognises the vital importance of
strong and co-operative Euro-Med relations.
Malta early emphasised the importance of peace and
stability in the Mediterranean as a precondition for peace
and stability in Europe and has continued to do so. This
foresight has fallen on fruitful grounds and is currently widely
recognised. Germany is one country which upholds this
vision. The effort to create a fair and lasting peace in the
Middle East is a main focus of Germany’s foreign policy.
During our EU Presidency in 2007 we worked hard to
revitalise the Middle East Quartet. In November 2008,
the EU adopted an “EU Strategy” on the Middle East based
on a German proposal. Moreover, at the end of January
this year, on Germany’s initiative, the EU decided to set up
an EU Work Plan for Gaza.
Germany was also at the forefront in Frontex negotiations
and practically involved in the ‘Nautilus’ operations around
Malta to help stop the illegal trafficking of persons and to
rescue migrants facing difficulties at sea.
There are indeed various issues that can only be tackled
at an international level and in particular jointly with
Mediterranean countries. These include issues like
migration, energy security and supply, environmental
protection, international trade, the fight against organised
crime and terrorism. Hence increased co-operation with
these countries is of the utmost importance to Germany,
as it is to all EU member states. A key element for success
is the forging of these partnerships on an equal footing.
The affairs in the Mediterranean region go beyond cooperation with EU neighbours or increased regional cooperation. It is as well a question of intercultural dialogue
with the Islamic world. For Germany, this is important
particularly but not exclusively given the large Muslim
community of an estimated 3.2 to 3.4 million people living
in our country, a group likely to grow even further.
Euro-Med cooperation is however also of immense
significance in security-policy aspects on both the
European and national level. While actively sharing the
burden in countering terrorism, Germany is under threat
of extremist terrorist groups like most of its partners.
2
H.E. Karl Andreas von Stenglin, Prof. Guido de Marco,
Chairman of MEDAC and Prof. Stephen C. Calleya,
Director of MEDAC.
The establishment of the German Chair at MEDAC is
another practical step of Germany’s commitment to
increase its efforts in the Mediterranean and a milestone in
German-Maltese cooperation. MEDAC, with its
international students hailing mostly from the Mediterranean
region, is an excellent entity for the exchange of ideas and
views of young academics and diplomats. It has in effect a
good and effective network, various partnerships in the
region and in Europe, a high educational standard and also
an outstanding reputation. (continued on page 3)
No.8 – Spring 2009
Malta as a small island state in the centre of the
Mediterranean is itself an excellent location for open and
target-oriented discussions to find practical solutions for
current and future challenges.
Practical co-operation is in effect urgently needed. Hence,
under the umbrella of the Union for the Mediterranean
(UfM), Germany is jointly working with France and other
partners on the development of the Mediterranean Solar
Plan (MSP). North Africa has a huge potential in generating
renewable energy while the EU needs a diversification of
its energy sources. If implemented, this plan would
generate income and jobs in the countries of origin, help
to protect the climate and be a win-win situation for
everyone involved. In the framework of the Union for the
Mediterranean, Germany has also proposed a Tsunami
Early Warning System, an initiative which was supported
by Malta among others.
Germany always had a strong economic presence in
countries around the Mediterranean and beyond. Close
economic ties with North Africa and the Middle East and
the creation of jobs there are not only very important but
vital for stability in the region, as everywhere else. On the
other hand, stability is a precondition for foreign investment.
Therefore, balancing political and social stability with
economic investment should be one of the major
objectives.
The above are but a few of the wide range of interests
that Germany has in the Mediterranean region. The new
German Chair at MEDAC shows Germany’s recognition
of the importance of the strategic partnership between
Malta and Germany and I am sure that it will be beneficial
not only for MEDAC and the students but also for
Germany, Malta and Euro-Med relations in general.
Migration Report
Mediterranean Forum on Migration, Development and
By Dr. Derek
Lutterbeck
Diplomacy:
Second
Workshop (Lugano)
By Dr. Derek Lutterbeck
Deputy Director, Academic Affairs, Holder of the Swiss Chair and
Lecturer in International History
From 30 March to 2 April 2009, MEDAC together with
the Institute for Mediterranean Studies (ISM) in Lugano,
Switzerland will hold a second workshop in the framework
of its ongoing programme “Mediterranean Forum on
Migration, Development and Diplomacy”.
The second Forum will focus on the role and influence of
the media and new information technologies with regard
to migration issues in the Mediterranean region. It seeks
to explore what positive and negative effects the media
can have on migratory patterns and policies in sending,
transit and destination countries. The workshop also aims
to examine how the media and new information
technologies can be used to improve cooperation in the
areas of migration and development in the Mediterranean
region. The Forum will bring together academics and
practitioners working on migration and media issues from
Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, as well as several
European countries.
The Mediterranean Forum on Migration, Development
and Diplomacy was launched by MEDAC and ISM in
2008. Its main objective is to provide a platform for open
and constructive debate of major migration-related issues
No.8 – Spring 2009
and challenges in the Mediterranean region. It is open to
both policy-makers and academics, and in particular seeks
to give a stronger voice to southern Mediterranean
countries in areas related to migration and development
in the region. A further objective of the Forum is to publish
high-quality and policy-relevant studies on migration issues
in the Mediterranean region. The first workshop of the
Forum was held in Malta in June 2008.
A boat with immigrants from Africa landing in Malta.
3
Joint Module:
MEDAC,Vienna Diplomatic Academy and the University
of the Aegean
MEDAC together with the Vienna Academy of
Diplomatic Studies and the Postgraduate Programme on
Political, Economic and International Relations in the
Mediterranean of the University of the Aegean is
organising an Intensive Programme sponsored by the
Erasmus Programme of the EU between the 15th and
27th of March 2009. The programme, which will focus
on the theme of Managing the Challenges of Human
Security on Europe’s Borders and Beyond, will be held
at the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna.
This joint programme has materialised as a result of the
Memorandum of Understanding signed between
MEDAC and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna in
January 2008 as well as the Memorandum of
Understanding signed between MEDAC and the
Postgraduate Programme on Political, Economic and
International Relations in the Mediterranean of the
University of the Aegean in October 2008.
As a result MEDAC’s Master of Diplomacy students
will join 10 students from the University of the Aegean
and 15 students from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna
in an in-depth analysis of human security, human rights,
development and migration within the context of the
European Neighbourhood. Special emphasis will be placed
on diplomacy as a tool that can help manage diverse
interests and pressures in the field of human security.
The programme will consist of a 10-day intensive schedule
of lectures, working groups, negotiation and simulation
exercises as well as debates with academics and
practitioners. MEDAC will also be contributing with its
academic staff and visiting professors to the programme.
At the end of the programme the young diplomats and
international relations researchers are expected to have
gained (1) a greater understanding of the inter-relationship
between human security, human rights, development,
migration and diplomacy; (2) an understanding of the role
of diplomacy in managing migratory pressures at EU’s
borders; (3) a knowledge of how human security issues
and migratory pressures are managed through diplomacy
and (4) “practical immersion” through simulation exercises.
Farewell Symposium for Prof. Dietrich Kappeler:
Persuasion, the Essence of Diplomacy
On the 12 th February 2009, MEDAC and
DiploFoundation jointly organised a farewell symposium
for Prof. Dietrich Kappeler. Prof. Kappeler was the
founding director of MEDAC in the early 1990s, and
subsequently the first Chairman of DiploFoundation.
Professor Kappeler is one of the most well known Swiss
experts in diplomacy, and he has had a most distinguished
career in several diplomatic missions and institutions in
Switzerland, Malta and elsewhere. The symposium
focused on the theme “Persuasion, the Essence of
Diplomacy”, and was addressed by Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, the
Hon. Dr. Tonio Borg, President Emeritus Prof. Guido
de Marco, as well as a number of other very senior
politicians, diplomats and academics from Malta and
abroad.
4
Prof. Guido de Marco, MEDAC Chairman, Prof. Dietrich
Kappeler and Prof. Stephen Calleya, Director of MEDAC.
No.8 – Spring 2009
Human Rights Workshop
By Dr. Omar Grech
Coordinator of the Human Dimension Programme and
Lecturer in International Law
The Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies
organized a workshop on Conflict Resolution and Human
Rights on the 6th of February, 2009. This workshop was
attended by all the M.Dip and M.A. students of the
Academy and formed an integral part of their studies.
Various areas relating to conflict and human rights were
covered during the workshop with speakers from Jordan,
Cyprus, Ireland and Switzerland as well as contributions
by Dr. Omar Grech and Prof. Stephen Calleya.
The workshop commenced with an introduction by Prof.
Stephen Calleya who highlighted the importance of conflict
analysis and resolution within the Euro-Mediterranean area.
Prof. Calleya also explained that this was an area of studies
which MEDAC was looking to develop as part of its
teaching and research. In fact, he also announced that
MEDAC was in the process of launching a joint
programme focusing on this issue with the Institute of
Conflict Analysis and Resolution of George Mason
University, USA.
Prof. Stephen C. Calleya and Dr. Omar Grech.
challenges and opportunities connected to this peace
process. Mr. Mu’ayyad Mehyar then analyzed the situation
in the Middle East both vis-à-vis the Israel-Palestinian
conflict as well as the post-conflict situation inYemen. The
final case study which was presented to the participants
related to the case of Cyprus and in particular the political
settlement and the role of human rights in this context.
The workshop was concluded by Dr. Alain Sigg who
reflected on the different phases of conflict mediation and
the role of human rights in each of these phases. Dr. Sigg
drew on his vast experience as a mediator in Africa. Each
of the presentations was followed by an intense question
and answer session with the students. The Swiss
Development Agency (DEZA) generously funded this
seminar.
Mr. Eleftherios Eleftheriou (European Commission), Dr.
Omar Grech and Dr. Alain Sigg, (Swiss Federal
Department of Foreign Affairs).
In his intervention Dr. Omar Grech gave an overview of
the impact which human rights concerns may have on
conflict resolution and on how to better coordinate the
work of conflict-resolvers and human rights advocates.
Following this theoretical overview the workshop
proceeded to anlayze numerous case studies relating to
human rights and conflict resolution. Dr. Colm Regan
assessed the Northern Ireland Peace Process from a human
rights perspective and provided several insights on the
No.8 – Spring 2009
Dr. Colm Regan, (80:20 Educating & Acting for a Better
World) and MEDAC Class 2008/09.
5
Twenty-Fifth Euro-Mediterranean Information and
Training Seminar
By Prof. Stephen C. Calleya
Director of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies and
Lecturer in International Relations
The Twenty-fifth Euro-Mediterranean Information and
Training Seminar took place in Malta between November
14th – 17th 2008. The four days of proceedings focused
on recent developments in the Euro-Mediterranean
Partnership, now referred to as the Union for the
Mediterranean. Particular attention was dedicated to
identifying the progress registered in the implementation of
the current Euro-Mediterranean Five Year work
programme and the developments that have taken place
during the French Presidency of the European Union during
the second half of 2008.
This Euro-Mediterranean Seminar brought together
diplomats from the majority of the twenty-seven European
Union member states and the Mediterranean Partner
countries. The seminar is organized by the Mediterranean
Academy of Diplomatic Studies of the University of Malta
under the auspices of the European Commission who assist
in coordinating this official Euro-Mediterranean confidence
building initiative.
Participants during the Simulation Exercise.
Economic Relations in the Euro-Med Partnership, Security
Challenges in the Euro-Mediterranean Area, the Role of
the Anna Lindh Foundation, and the EMP and Political
Reform. The topic of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership
and the Union for the Mediterranean initiative was also
discussed.
The twenty-fifth Euro-Mediterranean Information and
Training meeting, or Malta Seminar, as the meetings have
become more commonly known, was addressed on
Friday, the 14th of November 2008, by the Hon. Dr. Tonio
Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Malta, who delivered the keynote opening
address.
Further information on the Euro-Mediterranean Seminars
can be found at www.euromed-seminars.org.mt
The Hon. Dr. Tonio Borg, Prof. Stephen Calleya, Amb.
Serge Telle, Amb. Fathy El Shazli and Mr. Tom McGrath.
Throughout the four-day seminar, academic specialists and
other professionals from Europe and the Mediterranean
presented a series of lectures on developments within each
of the three chapters of the Euro-Mediterranean
Partnership, namely the political and security, economic
and financial, and the cultural and human resources
chapters.
Specific attention was dedicated to topics that include: The
Euro-Med Partnership and the French EU Presidency,
6
Euro-Med Seminar Group Photo with the Hon. Dr.
Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs, Malta.
No.8 – Spring 2009
Research & Publications
In addition to its training activities, MEDAC has in recent years also strengthened its research capacity and published a
growing number of academic as well as policy-oriented studies. The main focus of MEDAC’s research activities is in the
area of Mediterranean diplomacy, and in particular on issue areas such as security, migration, as well as democracy and
human rights in the Mediterranean region. The following studies and reports have recently been published:
The third issue of the Med Agenda, entitled ‘Water Diplomacy in
a Changing World: Adapting to New Paradigm Shifts and the
Need for New Innovative Tools’ was written by Amb. Dr. Magdy
A. Hefny, Egypt.
The ‘Med Agenda’ Series in Mediterranean International Relations
and Diplomacy, is aimed at publishing and preserving distinguished
studies, speeches and articles dealing with international relations,
diplomacy and security in the Mediterranean region. The authors
are invited speakers, academics and diplomats, at MEDAC
conferences and lecturers, as well as MEDAC experts.
MEDAC, in collaboration with the Today Public Policy Institute, a
think tank based in Malta, has published a report on irregular
migration in Malta (and the Mediterranean region more generally).
The report provides an overview of the main challenges Malta has
been facing in coping with irregular immigration in areas such as
detention policy, integration policy, return and readmission policy,
maritime patrols and development cooperation as a means of
addressing the root causes of migration. The report also sets out
policy recommendations with a view to improving the country’s
current policies. It was written by Prof. Stephen Calleya and Dr.
Derek Lutterbeck and presented to the Prime Minister of Malta,
the Hon. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, in November 2008.
In November 2008, MEDAC, in collaboration with the
Groupement d’Études et de Recherches sur la Méditerranée
(GERM) in Rabat (Morocco) published a EuroMeSCo Paper
entitled “Pragmatism rather than Backlash: Moroccan Perceptions
of Western Democracy Promotion.” Through extensive field
research in Morocco, the paper examines how Western democracy
promotion is perceived by its main “targets” in Morocco– namely,
NGOs, political party activists and parliamentarians, representatives
of the judiciary and the state, journalists, and academics. The study
comes to the conclusion that, contrary to some expectations, there
has been no severe backlash against democracy promotion in
Morocco to date, and that practically all Moroccan actors, from
Islamists to feminists, are involved in some form of international
collaboration in this area.
No.8 – Spring 2009
7
Memorandum of Understanding between MEDAC and
the Tunisian Diplomatic Institute
On 24 February 2009, MEDAC signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Tunisian Diplomatic Institute. The MoU
provides for different areas of collaboration between the two
institutes, e.g. in the form of reciprocal visits of staff and students,
exchange of research materials and publications, organization of
joint seminars and the promotion of joint research projects.
Over the past 19 years, young diplomats from Tunisia have been
among the largest group in the MEDAC Masters programme,
and they have contributed to the richness and diversity of the
programme. MEDAC has, in recent years, also signed MoUs
with a number of other prestigious diplomatic institutions, such
as the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the Institute for Diplomatic
Studies in Cairo, and the Green Book Centre in Tripoli.
Dr. Derek Lutterbeck, Amb. Sadock Fayala, Director of the
Tunisian Diplomatic Institute, and Prof. Stephen Calleya.
Guest Lectures
Address by Dr. Michael Frendo,
Chairman of the Foreign and EU
Relations Committee, Maltese
Parliament.
'Union pour la Méditerranée and the
Issues of the Mediterranean Region:
What now?'
Dr. Michael Frendo meeting with MEDAC students.
Prof. Jürg Gabriel
Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich
‘Twentieth Century Diplomatic History
from a Mediterranean Perspective’.
MEDAC students during Prof. Gabriel’s lecture.
Address by H.E. Ignacio Sagaz
Temprano, Director of the Spanish
Diplomatic Academy.
‘Spanish Foreign Policy in the
Mediterranean’.
Students following H.E. Ignazio Temprano’s lecture.
8
No.8 – Spring 2009
Alumni News
Ms. Yousra Ebada
M.Dip. Alumni from Egypt
Class 2007 - 2008
Diplomat working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt
Initiating one’s true feelings about an experience is not an
easy task. My experience on the island left me astounded,
yet all I can start thinking about are the words “take me
back to Malta!” It was both an honour and a privilege to
follow the Masters in Diplomacy course at MEDAC.
Bringing together young and aspiring diplomats from all over
the world surely fosters and deepens ties between them
prooving to be by far the richest experience of all.
Presently serving as an Egyptian Diplomat, I believe that
following the course at MEDAC has been of great benefit,
both for my academic and professional background,
especially after establishing a network of friendships and
contacts during the study visits and the several social events
organized by the Academy.
Students gain a lot from the diverse and extensive training
opportunities offered during the academic year. In addition,
to the diverse modules offered, which included international
relations, European history, international economic systems
and international law, foreign policy and security issues.
Global issues were thoroughly discussed, mainly during the
modules given by prestigious visiting professors. Most
importantly, the simulations conducted by theAcademy acted
as an eye-opening experience to all of us.
M.Dip Students 2007/08 during the Farewell Dinner.
Living in Malta, integrating into the community, experiencing
the Maltese culture, meeting the wonderful people, building
friendships and acquiring such wisdom from great professors,
who by the end of the year had become close friends to us
all, was undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable
experiences of my life. I am very grateful for such an
opportunity!
Mr. Zuhair M.H. Zaid
M. Dip. Alumni from Palestine
Class 2007 - 2008
Diplomat working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Palestine
The scholarship offered by MEDAC at the University of
Malta is a well known programme in the Palestinian Ministry
of Foreign Affairs. It is a good opportunity to enrich a
diplomat’s experience. Thus, I did not hesitate to apply for
this scholarship despite my special circumstances, my age,
my family and other limitations.
never forget about this experience – the University itself, the
Academy, my class mates and the people in Malta. Thanks
to all of you who helped me have such a great and fruitful
experience in this wonderful country!
At the beginning I found a lot of difficulties and I felt that I
should return back home, but I found real sisters and brothers
in my class who supported me and encouraged me to
continue my studies. The same goes for the MEDAC staff.
At MEDAC one finds the best lecturers in all the subjects. I
will never forget their efforts in encouraging us to take full
advantage of the programme.
Studying in this institution is a unique opportunity. I can
No.8 – Spring 2009
M.Dip Students greeting Prof. Guido de Marco, Chairman
of MEDAC at the Opening Ceremony.
9
Mr. Yusuph Mndolwa
M.Dip. Alumni from Tanzania
Class 2007 - 2008
Diplomat working at the Embassy of Tanzania in Stockholm
I first heard about MEDAC from a friend of mine
working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Uganda
who happened to attend a diplomatic course in Malta
organized under a Commonwealth program. From there
on, I developed a strong desire to join MEDAC.
When I joined MEDAC, I came to realize that I made
the best decision ever. Courses at MEDAC have been
carefully designed to enable students to conduct an indepth analysis of the challenges of the 21st century.
MEDAC lecturers are well-experienced, with strong
backgrounds in the fields of International Relations,
Regional Integration, Diplomacy, International Law,
climate change, security and Mediterranean affairs. The
round table discussion with the German President H.E.
Horst Koller, embassy visits, a study visit to Geneva and
the Malta tour are some of the events which made
MEDAC a unique experience.
Students meeting with H.E. Paolo Andrea Trabalza,
Ambassador of Italy to Malta, during a visit to his residence.
Soon after the completion of my studies at MEDAC, I
was posted to the Tanzanian Embassy in Stockholm. I find
the knowledge I gained at MEDAC very relevant to my
daily work here at the Embassy. I very much appreciate
MEDAC’s academic team, especially Prof. Stephen
Calleya. I feel proud to be associated with MEDAC and I
promise to be a good MEDAC ambassador. Long live
MEDAC!!!
Ms. Michela-Maria Debattista
M.A. Alumni from Malta
Class 2005 - 2006
Diplomat working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malta
The Mediterranean Academy has been a window which
exposed me to theory as well as its application as a
stepping stone and an indispensable set of tools,
paramount for the realities of a carrier in the diplomatic
field.
crucial in promoting the further enhancement of an already
existing diplomatic network – a mechanism which I have
the pleasure of tapping every once and again and which
makes matters easier in the course of one’s duties in the
diplomatic sphere.
The human dimension is perhaps the academy’s best
asset. Its academic staff, shared their knowledge and
experience in a unique way, making the course a new
experience altogether. This was one aspect which was
then complemented by the students themselves, some of
whom were fully fledged diplomats and had been
exposed to tangible experience within this career.
I would also like to point out that the academy is also
10
MEDAC Class 2005/06 during the study-visit to Rome.
No.8 – Spring 2009
Alumni News
International Night
Organized by the MEDAC Alumni Association
http://www.medacalumni.org
As a university foundation receiving students every year from
different continents, MEDAC does not only provide an
opportunity for students to ameliorate their academic
knowledge and diplomatic skills but also aims to create a
multi-cultural environment. Since its creation the MEDAC
Alumni Association it has sought to highlight this concept
through various activities.
Students laying out their traditional food.
Prof. Calleya & Dr. Lutterbeck together with students
and alumni at the International Night.
The annual ‘International Night’ event is very popular among
MEDAC alumni and students alike. During this event,
participants share a bit of their culture by preparing traditional
dishes, play their traditional music, and at times, wear their
national costumes. The 2008 edition of the International Night
took place on the 28th of November at Sun Down Court.
The event was well attended by MEDAC alumni, who took
the opportunity to meet their former class-mates.
It should be stressed that the event would not have been
such a great success if it were not for the active participation
of the current MEDAC students, who excellently prepared
the majority of dishes for the activity and the members of the
Committee who worked energetically for a successful
outcome in this event. Of course, this event would not have
been possible, without the perpetual support of the MEDAC
Director and staff, whose encouragement and backup featured
heavily especially in the weeks of preparation for this event.
This event is not only a social gathering, but also introduces
the students to the big MEDAC family. Despite living in
different countries, we all share a common experience which
hopefully we will all cherish and remember with nostalgia.
No.8 – Spring 2009
The MEDACAlumniAssociation is always striving to enhance
its network. The Association is in the process of launching a
new website, by which students living around the world can
be in touch with the Association. The network can develop
further if everyone of us contributes and spreads the word
about it. The Association also has a facebook group for
MEDAC Alumni, to which former and current students are
most welcome.
David Cassar (centre), President of the Alumni
Association together with MEDAC students.
Alumni Event
Address by H.E. Jean-François Delahaut
Ambassador of Begium
“Europe of Lisbon, the end of Europe of
Yalta - Towards the European
historical reconciliation”
Date: 30th April, 2009
Venue: German Maltese Circle,
141, St.Christopher Street, Valletta
Time: 18:00 hours
All Alumni are invited
11
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
of Malta, the Hon. Dr. Tonio Borg visits MEDAC
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Malta, the Hon Dr. Tonio Borg, recently
delivered a keynote presentation at MEDAC on Malta’s
foreign policy agenda in the Euro-Mediterranean area.
Minister Borg highlighted the continuous and consistent
strategic attention and support Malta has been providing
to the promotion of pan-Mediterranean initiatives. This
included an assessment of the Euro-Med Partnership,
the Union for the Mediterranean, the Five plus Five
Forum and the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Mediterranean, which was established in Malta in 2007.
The Hon. Dr. Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Prof. Stephen Calleya,
Director of MEDAC.
MEDAC’s 20th Anniversary – International Conference / Alumni Reunion
MEDAC would like to announce that on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary since its establishment it will be organizing
an International Conference and Alumni Reunion between the 3rd to the 6th of December, 2009. The International
Conference will also coincide with the 20th Anniversary since the end of the Cold War and the historic Malta Summit
which brought it to a close. In this context the conference will have as its theme: The End of the Cold War and the
Mediterranean 1989 -2009.
All MEDAC alumni are invited to attend this international conference and reunion. For more information contact us on
the following e-mail: medaclibrary@um.edu.mt
FOR THOSE SEEKING TO PREPARE FOR AN INTERNATIONAL CAREER
The Academy offers the following courses:
One year Full-time Postgraduate Studies: Master in Diplomacy and Master of Arts in Diplomatic Studies
Two year Part-time Diploma in Diplomatic Studies
For more details on these courses and various activities of the Academy write to:
The Director, Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, University of Malta, Msida, MSD 2080, Malta.
Tel: (+356) 2340 2821
Fax: (+356) 2148 3091
E-mail: medac@um.edu.mt
Website: http://www.med-academy.org/
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No.8 – Spring 2009